I had the chance recently to do a little interview for the Caledon Cycling Club, about my experience this year on the Tour Divide - have a read......thanks Leigh!
TO THE LIMIT by Leigh
"How was your summer? Did you get out and do something that you thought was extreme? Did you achieve a goal that you had set for yourself or used that magic marker to check off another item on your never ending bucket list?
Everyone has a different view of what is extreme and what degree our abilities allow us to stretch, how much our bodies can handle and what is the breaking point? You know, the point where your body and mind finally says “that’s it”.
While it is different for everyone, there are always the odd few that take it further than others could even hope for. There is the Everest thing, whether just to base camp or the yearly, endless line of hopefuls with their paid Sherpa's carrying all their gear (including oxygen tanks) up the mountain in hopes of reaching the peak.
As far as cycling events go there are some big ones. Some are touted as being the most difficult cycling events in the world and the mother all is the Tour De France. A 21 day road riding race that is spread across some European countries but the course is mostly a tour of the roads and mountains of France with the final stage ending in Paris.
It is a fully supported event with extra bikes, parts, food and water being supplied when ever required by any of the team members.
Each day following a stage, the riders are pampered and kept up in hotels and then delivered to the next days stage starting line in a new town or city. Within the 21 day race there are two rest days so the participants can recoup for the next series of stages.
Indeed it is tough and a tremendous feat to get your team through to the end of the race.
But and it is a big BUT, nothing really compares a little known event called the “Tour the Divide”. This is the ultimate test of endurance experienced during the world’s longest mountain bike race. The Tour Divide is a one stage race traversing over 2745 miles, (to us Canadians 4418 km) along the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains.
The rules are extensive but in a nutshell,
the race participants are not supported in any way and they are left to fend for themselves for food, water, bike parts and rest.
Example of the rules:
3. “Modus operandi: To complete the Route, a rider may resupply food / equipment, rent a room, launder clothing, even service their bike at commercial shops along the way. The intent is to ride unsupported between towns, and function self-supported when in towns. Any services utilized must always be commercially available to all challengers and not pre-arranged[1]. No private resupply, no private lodging……..
outside assistance[2] with navigation, lodging or resupply (especially receipt of supplies from a non-commercial shipper) is prohibited. Visitation: Divide racing is not intended to be a spectator sport! However, route-town locals only may interact with (i.e. visit briefly, cheer on) thru-racers as they pass through their locale. Out-of-town visitation to the GDMBR mid-race from challengers' family or friends—even if only a 'loosely-planned', remote possibility for rider rendezvous—is prohibited”
Only the few would entertain the thought to attempt something so out there, something so outrageous, so devoid of being rational so, so …….it just keeps going and going.
I can say it isn’t just one of those things that someone looks at and says “I know someone that has a friend, that their cousin, heard of someone that knows somebody that may have done this race. It is even more obscure.
Well, we have our very own “someone” in our midst that actually has done this race. Not once but twice.
Sarah Caylor, one of our club members, took on the challenge for the second year, and now has successfully achieved what most would not consider.
What makes a person decide that they are going to attempt this type of event? Only they know the answer to that question and I’m sure that it is different for every participant.
Sarah came in 12th overall out of the 140 riders that started and the second place female.—22 days, 21hr’s & 33 min.
PAGE 6
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 1
To the Limit by Leigh
PAGE 7
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 1
I had a chance to pose some questions to Sarah regarding her quest to complete this race.
LB—I know that you are not the type of person to talk about yourself or pat yourself on the back but can you tell us a little about yourself? Work and play background.
SC—I am a Chef and Registered Holistic Nutritionist, presently working full time as a Cheese maker at the Woolwich Dairy. I am also attending George Brown College again to become a Professional Fromager! My play background started with marathon running, then mountain bike racing casually, then more seriously in xc races, then longer 8hrs, 24 hrs, hundred milers…also Adventure racing – one day to multi day. I did a few years of Xterra off-road triathlon, and hope to do more in the future. I also hope to do more Ultra running and Adventure Racing in the future…
LB—How are you feeling now that the race is over and you have had time to contemplate?
SC—I am still in a daze! I was certain I would never do it again, but as time goes by, I think “maybe 2016??”…lol! I am stunned that I did it – and I mean that – you never really know what you are capable of until you try something like this – I had no idea of the stuff I am made of…
LB—I know that this is your second attempt at the race but tell me what prompted you to try it last year?
SC—I tried in 2012 after watching Ride the Divide – I was intrigued and wanted to see how far I could push myself – to see amazing trail and beautiful mountains. A month on an mtb sounded like a great idea!
LB—Had you specifically trained for it?
SC—Commuting by day – trail riding at night – and a good dose of trail running too. I trained as for a 24 hr. solo, but then longer multiple rides on weekends – fully loaded with gear – gear testing and stability was key.
LB—Did you know what to expect or did you think you knew what to expect
SC—No idea!
LB—How far did you make it and what was it that stopped you in the end?
SC—I got to Lima Mt. after riding some time without navigation – my computer had died and I was in the middle of nowhere – could not find a shop for a replacement and spent a couple days trying various locations – finally rode 100 mi back to Butte MT., where I had been a couple days prior – and knew I could get a computer at Rob Leipheimer’s shop, The Outdoorsman. When I got there, I was already a few days off course, and my brain was out of the race, so I pulled the plug on that year’s attempt.
LB—What was the overall experience you had the first time around? Not just that you didn’t make it but the real
understanding of yourself and the race.
SC—Overall it was awesome – very hard – toughest thing I have ever done, even just 10 days of it. I wanted to see what more I could do, but knew it would be a huge challenge.
LB—So 2014. Obviously you had a better idea of the scope of the race. What did you do physically to prepare for this year?
SC—Same training for the most part.
LB—This is a very isolate type of race, how did you prepare for that part or could you?
SC—Lots of long solo riding – luckily I love it! There is not really a way to train for the loneliness but to just get used to it…you gotta go through
it and learn how to refuel your motivations and keep reality in check.
PAGE 8
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 1
LB—I know you told me it was “epic, brutal, beautiful and one of a kind” but that really doesn’t begin to explain what it was really like.
How epic was it?
SC—Extremely!
LB—For you to say it was brutal it had to be bad, can you give an example of just how brutal it was?
SC—just pushing everyday to overcome some pretty serious physical discomfort – aches, pains, saddle sores lol…every day another body part would start squawking, but I knew I could ride through it, and eventually it would be
better, or numb enough to forget about it! Keeping going everyday was huge…
LB—The beauty is understandable but even that must have been to the extreme. Seeing what you did under the conditions that you saw it must have been even more breathtaking - to me almost spiritual.
SC—It was other-worldly – surreal – but you are racing, so I don’t think I appreciate the scenery as much s I could have…I kept waiting for an
epiphany! I think they happened, I just haven’t been able to fully grasp them yet – still suffering some PTSD!
LB—I heard about a period in the cold where you were taken off the course, can you explain what happened there?
SC—Yes, I developed hypothermia twice - once at the border to Montana on day 2 and again a couple days later - I lost a good amount of time to these issues - and strength for that matter... The first day was near the end of my day so I lost just 17 miles, but the second time I gave up a potential 125 miles that I had planned - all in all I lost a good days worth of time an it took awhile to get it back - the weather was sooooo awful and I was stripped - anemic anyway and prone to chills - no amount of goretex and wool could save me!!! I don't recommend hypothermia to anyone - it is very scary ... At least I didn't slip too far into it or I would be in a coma! Yikes....
But, I was incoherent and couldn't tell the border patrol my name or where I was from! Took awhile to come round ...not fun
LB—I tell people all the time that riding by yourself can be one of the hardest things to do because you only have yourself to push yourself. It is too easy to talk yourself out of something. I listened to one of your phone calls during the race when your uncle died. I can understand the emotions that you were going through just trying to do the race. You were nearing the finish with I think only a few days left of riding. That must have been one of the hardest things for you to deal with.
SC—That was the morning after my big crash, I got the news just before I hopped on the bike – it was a shocker. I was in a small town with little services, so I knew I had to at least get to a bigger town down the trail – it was 80 miles or so away so I just put my head down, and rode off…I was pretty numb – I used music that day to zone out, and just kept pedalling – it’s all you can do. And somehow you do it. I can’t explain how, but it was a very very tough day of riding – I knew I had a little extra guidance that day, and had a lot of time to reflect…being alone is sometimes the best thing…
LB—With only a few days left, you had a brutal crash, can you fill us in on what happen and how did you keep going?
SC—The crash was on a very loose downhill – I thought I saw a good line, but the rocks spun out under my wheel and I went head first into the rocks – broke my helmet, cut up my leg and shoulder – twisted my wrist – it sucked. I was dazed, but on the top of a pass with no one nearby, so I had no choice but to keep going – I was worried and feeling pretty alone. I took a break and ate a pb sandwich; maybe cried a little too ;) but kept going – when you are riding that long, you learn how to put the pain aside and get the job done.
PAGE 9
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 1
LB—I know that you drive yourself to do the extreme part of sports. I realize the 24 solo is hard but what are some of the others you have done?
SC—I have done several multi day adventure races, a good bunch of marathons, 8 hr solo and 24 solo, 100 mi. mtb races and stage races – I guess I’m a glutton for punishment!
LB—Is there something that drives you?
SC—I have no idea what drives me – I love the challenge of seeing what I can do – it sounds odd but shocking myself with the proof that I can do it still amazes me – I never feel like I am capable, even after the fact…so I keep trying. Plus, it’s pretty cool to do and see places from a full on perspective – right in the land, and not just as a tourist…
LB—What’s next?
SC—Next up is possibly 24 hrs in the Old Pueblo again – in Arizona this Feb – and then the Highland 550 in May in Scotland – another self supported mtb race though the Highlands – perfect! For next Fall I’ll hopefully do the 24 solo Worlds in California – and lots of fun riding in between!!
LB—One last question, would you do it again?
SC—Planning now for 2016.
LB—Congratulations on yet another adventure completed.
SC— Thank you!
It takes a special person to do these types of events, looking further ahead than most even consider and Sarah, you are special.
For events like these, there are times when I ask myself the question, is it all inspiring or does it just leave you shaking your head and wondering—WTF?"
See page six :)
TO THE LIMIT by Leigh
"How was your summer? Did you get out and do something that you thought was extreme? Did you achieve a goal that you had set for yourself or used that magic marker to check off another item on your never ending bucket list?
Everyone has a different view of what is extreme and what degree our abilities allow us to stretch, how much our bodies can handle and what is the breaking point? You know, the point where your body and mind finally says “that’s it”.
While it is different for everyone, there are always the odd few that take it further than others could even hope for. There is the Everest thing, whether just to base camp or the yearly, endless line of hopefuls with their paid Sherpa's carrying all their gear (including oxygen tanks) up the mountain in hopes of reaching the peak.
As far as cycling events go there are some big ones. Some are touted as being the most difficult cycling events in the world and the mother all is the Tour De France. A 21 day road riding race that is spread across some European countries but the course is mostly a tour of the roads and mountains of France with the final stage ending in Paris.
It is a fully supported event with extra bikes, parts, food and water being supplied when ever required by any of the team members.
Each day following a stage, the riders are pampered and kept up in hotels and then delivered to the next days stage starting line in a new town or city. Within the 21 day race there are two rest days so the participants can recoup for the next series of stages.
Indeed it is tough and a tremendous feat to get your team through to the end of the race.
But and it is a big BUT, nothing really compares a little known event called the “Tour the Divide”. This is the ultimate test of endurance experienced during the world’s longest mountain bike race. The Tour Divide is a one stage race traversing over 2745 miles, (to us Canadians 4418 km) along the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains.
The rules are extensive but in a nutshell,
the race participants are not supported in any way and they are left to fend for themselves for food, water, bike parts and rest.
Example of the rules:
3. “Modus operandi: To complete the Route, a rider may resupply food / equipment, rent a room, launder clothing, even service their bike at commercial shops along the way. The intent is to ride unsupported between towns, and function self-supported when in towns. Any services utilized must always be commercially available to all challengers and not pre-arranged[1]. No private resupply, no private lodging……..
outside assistance[2] with navigation, lodging or resupply (especially receipt of supplies from a non-commercial shipper) is prohibited. Visitation: Divide racing is not intended to be a spectator sport! However, route-town locals only may interact with (i.e. visit briefly, cheer on) thru-racers as they pass through their locale. Out-of-town visitation to the GDMBR mid-race from challengers' family or friends—even if only a 'loosely-planned', remote possibility for rider rendezvous—is prohibited”
Only the few would entertain the thought to attempt something so out there, something so outrageous, so devoid of being rational so, so …….it just keeps going and going.
I can say it isn’t just one of those things that someone looks at and says “I know someone that has a friend, that their cousin, heard of someone that knows somebody that may have done this race. It is even more obscure.
Well, we have our very own “someone” in our midst that actually has done this race. Not once but twice.
Sarah Caylor, one of our club members, took on the challenge for the second year, and now has successfully achieved what most would not consider.
What makes a person decide that they are going to attempt this type of event? Only they know the answer to that question and I’m sure that it is different for every participant.
Sarah came in 12th overall out of the 140 riders that started and the second place female.—22 days, 21hr’s & 33 min.
PAGE 6
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 1
To the Limit by Leigh
PAGE 7
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 1
I had a chance to pose some questions to Sarah regarding her quest to complete this race.
LB—I know that you are not the type of person to talk about yourself or pat yourself on the back but can you tell us a little about yourself? Work and play background.
SC—I am a Chef and Registered Holistic Nutritionist, presently working full time as a Cheese maker at the Woolwich Dairy. I am also attending George Brown College again to become a Professional Fromager! My play background started with marathon running, then mountain bike racing casually, then more seriously in xc races, then longer 8hrs, 24 hrs, hundred milers…also Adventure racing – one day to multi day. I did a few years of Xterra off-road triathlon, and hope to do more in the future. I also hope to do more Ultra running and Adventure Racing in the future…
LB—How are you feeling now that the race is over and you have had time to contemplate?
SC—I am still in a daze! I was certain I would never do it again, but as time goes by, I think “maybe 2016??”…lol! I am stunned that I did it – and I mean that – you never really know what you are capable of until you try something like this – I had no idea of the stuff I am made of…
LB—I know that this is your second attempt at the race but tell me what prompted you to try it last year?
SC—I tried in 2012 after watching Ride the Divide – I was intrigued and wanted to see how far I could push myself – to see amazing trail and beautiful mountains. A month on an mtb sounded like a great idea!
LB—Had you specifically trained for it?
SC—Commuting by day – trail riding at night – and a good dose of trail running too. I trained as for a 24 hr. solo, but then longer multiple rides on weekends – fully loaded with gear – gear testing and stability was key.
LB—Did you know what to expect or did you think you knew what to expect
SC—No idea!
LB—How far did you make it and what was it that stopped you in the end?
SC—I got to Lima Mt. after riding some time without navigation – my computer had died and I was in the middle of nowhere – could not find a shop for a replacement and spent a couple days trying various locations – finally rode 100 mi back to Butte MT., where I had been a couple days prior – and knew I could get a computer at Rob Leipheimer’s shop, The Outdoorsman. When I got there, I was already a few days off course, and my brain was out of the race, so I pulled the plug on that year’s attempt.
LB—What was the overall experience you had the first time around? Not just that you didn’t make it but the real
understanding of yourself and the race.
SC—Overall it was awesome – very hard – toughest thing I have ever done, even just 10 days of it. I wanted to see what more I could do, but knew it would be a huge challenge.
LB—So 2014. Obviously you had a better idea of the scope of the race. What did you do physically to prepare for this year?
SC—Same training for the most part.
LB—This is a very isolate type of race, how did you prepare for that part or could you?
SC—Lots of long solo riding – luckily I love it! There is not really a way to train for the loneliness but to just get used to it…you gotta go through
it and learn how to refuel your motivations and keep reality in check.
PAGE 8
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 1
LB—I know you told me it was “epic, brutal, beautiful and one of a kind” but that really doesn’t begin to explain what it was really like.
How epic was it?
SC—Extremely!
LB—For you to say it was brutal it had to be bad, can you give an example of just how brutal it was?
SC—just pushing everyday to overcome some pretty serious physical discomfort – aches, pains, saddle sores lol…every day another body part would start squawking, but I knew I could ride through it, and eventually it would be
better, or numb enough to forget about it! Keeping going everyday was huge…
LB—The beauty is understandable but even that must have been to the extreme. Seeing what you did under the conditions that you saw it must have been even more breathtaking - to me almost spiritual.
SC—It was other-worldly – surreal – but you are racing, so I don’t think I appreciate the scenery as much s I could have…I kept waiting for an
epiphany! I think they happened, I just haven’t been able to fully grasp them yet – still suffering some PTSD!
LB—I heard about a period in the cold where you were taken off the course, can you explain what happened there?
SC—Yes, I developed hypothermia twice - once at the border to Montana on day 2 and again a couple days later - I lost a good amount of time to these issues - and strength for that matter... The first day was near the end of my day so I lost just 17 miles, but the second time I gave up a potential 125 miles that I had planned - all in all I lost a good days worth of time an it took awhile to get it back - the weather was sooooo awful and I was stripped - anemic anyway and prone to chills - no amount of goretex and wool could save me!!! I don't recommend hypothermia to anyone - it is very scary ... At least I didn't slip too far into it or I would be in a coma! Yikes....
But, I was incoherent and couldn't tell the border patrol my name or where I was from! Took awhile to come round ...not fun
LB—I tell people all the time that riding by yourself can be one of the hardest things to do because you only have yourself to push yourself. It is too easy to talk yourself out of something. I listened to one of your phone calls during the race when your uncle died. I can understand the emotions that you were going through just trying to do the race. You were nearing the finish with I think only a few days left of riding. That must have been one of the hardest things for you to deal with.
SC—That was the morning after my big crash, I got the news just before I hopped on the bike – it was a shocker. I was in a small town with little services, so I knew I had to at least get to a bigger town down the trail – it was 80 miles or so away so I just put my head down, and rode off…I was pretty numb – I used music that day to zone out, and just kept pedalling – it’s all you can do. And somehow you do it. I can’t explain how, but it was a very very tough day of riding – I knew I had a little extra guidance that day, and had a lot of time to reflect…being alone is sometimes the best thing…
LB—With only a few days left, you had a brutal crash, can you fill us in on what happen and how did you keep going?
SC—The crash was on a very loose downhill – I thought I saw a good line, but the rocks spun out under my wheel and I went head first into the rocks – broke my helmet, cut up my leg and shoulder – twisted my wrist – it sucked. I was dazed, but on the top of a pass with no one nearby, so I had no choice but to keep going – I was worried and feeling pretty alone. I took a break and ate a pb sandwich; maybe cried a little too ;) but kept going – when you are riding that long, you learn how to put the pain aside and get the job done.
PAGE 9
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 1
LB—I know that you drive yourself to do the extreme part of sports. I realize the 24 solo is hard but what are some of the others you have done?
SC—I have done several multi day adventure races, a good bunch of marathons, 8 hr solo and 24 solo, 100 mi. mtb races and stage races – I guess I’m a glutton for punishment!
LB—Is there something that drives you?
SC—I have no idea what drives me – I love the challenge of seeing what I can do – it sounds odd but shocking myself with the proof that I can do it still amazes me – I never feel like I am capable, even after the fact…so I keep trying. Plus, it’s pretty cool to do and see places from a full on perspective – right in the land, and not just as a tourist…
LB—What’s next?
SC—Next up is possibly 24 hrs in the Old Pueblo again – in Arizona this Feb – and then the Highland 550 in May in Scotland – another self supported mtb race though the Highlands – perfect! For next Fall I’ll hopefully do the 24 solo Worlds in California – and lots of fun riding in between!!
LB—One last question, would you do it again?
SC—Planning now for 2016.
LB—Congratulations on yet another adventure completed.
SC— Thank you!
It takes a special person to do these types of events, looking further ahead than most even consider and Sarah, you are special.
For events like these, there are times when I ask myself the question, is it all inspiring or does it just leave you shaking your head and wondering—WTF?"
See page six :)
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